Carnival in St. Thomas

Three rocking busloads of steel drum players

Nearly every Caribbean island has some type of Carnival. We attended one of the parades in downtown Charlotte Amalie this spring, and were wowed by the costumes, the music, and the overall great time everyone was having. Here’s a sample, including a short video of the pan bands on a bus that rocked (literally and figuratively) with their playing and dancing.

 

Men dressed as bees, and women like flowers

 

Portland, Oregon: City of Roses

 

…and home to the International Rose Test Garden. Established in 1917, the 4.5-acre garden overlooks the city, but even the view of distant snow-capped mountains pales beside the innumerable blossoms in every shape, size, and color. Seven thousand shrubs of more than 550 varieties flourish here under the obviously loving ministrations of a single gardener, two summer caretakers, and volunteers. I nearly made myself sick sniffing so many blooms, but the heavenly fragrances were well worth it. And it’s free. What a wonderful way to while away a sunny afternoon. In another nod to its nickname, Portland actually uses roses as the flora of choice in medians and along the highways. Beautiful!

 

 

Happy Hour

Keith and Jamie watching over the delicious appetizers

Food, drink, and friends—how can you not be happy? When in Charlotte Amalie, we got together with some old friends for a terrific evening on Jamie and Keith’s catamaran Kookaburra.

Steve and Carl chatting away

Lynn, Carrie, and Barb enjoying cool beverages

Weapon of Blood Now Available and Climbing the Kindle Charts

Yes, after years of fans asking if there will be a sequel to Weapon of Flesh, Weapon of Blood is now available! We got the Kindle format out on July 1, and it immediately started heading up the Amazon Best Sellers Rank. And it’s first review is five stars! If you read Weapon of Blood and enjoy it, please help it out by writing your own review.

Please note the beautiful cover, once again courtesy of Noah Stacey.